John Thomas (bishop of Rochester) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Thomas |
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| Bishop of Rochester | |
Portrait by Joshua Reynolds
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| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Diocese of Rochester |
| Elected | 1774 |
| Reign ended | 1793 (death) |
| Predecessor | Zachary Pearce |
| Successor | Samuel Horsley |
| Other posts | Dean of Westminster 1768 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 25 September 1737 (priest) |
| Consecration | 13 November 1774 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 October 1712 Carlisle, Cumbria |
| Died | 22 August 1793 (aged 80) Bromley, Kent |
| Buried | Bletchingley, Surrey |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | Bromley Palace |
| Parents | John Thomas & Ann Kelsick |
| Spouse | Anne Clayton m. 1742; d. 1772 Elizabeth Baldwin m. 1776 |
| Alma mater | The Queen's College, Oxford |
John Thomas (born October 14, 1712 – died August 22, 1793) was an important English church leader. He became the Bishop of Rochester in 1774. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in some Christian churches, overseeing a specific area called a diocese.
Contents
Life of John Thomas
John Thomas was born in Carlisle, a town in Cumbria, England. He was the oldest son of John Thomas, who was a vicar (a type of priest) in a nearby village. His mother was Ann Kelsick.
Early Education and Career
Young John went to the grammar school in Carlisle. After that, he studied at The Queen's College, Oxford, starting in 1730. While at college, he received help from the Provost, Joseph Smith.
After finishing his studies, John Thomas worked as a teacher. He taught at an academy in Soho Square in London. Later, he became a private tutor for the son of a wealthy man named Sir William Clayton. John later married Sir William's sister.
Becoming a Church Leader
John Thomas became a deacon in the church in 1737. A deacon is the first step in becoming a priest. Later that year, he became a priest. In 1738, he was made the rector of Bletchingley in Surrey. A rector is a priest in charge of a parish.
He continued his studies and earned advanced degrees in law in 1742. In 1749, he became a chaplain to King George II. This meant he was a religious advisor to the King. He continued this role when King George III came to power.
Important Church Roles
John Thomas continued to rise in the church. In 1754, he became a prebendary of Westminster. This is a special position within a cathedral or church. In 1762, he became a sub-almoner, helping the Archbishop of York with charitable work.
In 1766, he became the vicar of St Bride's, Fleet Street in London. A vicar is another type of priest who leads a parish. In 1768, he was given two very important roles: Dean of Westminster and Dean of the Order of the Bath. The Dean of Westminster is in charge of Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
Bishop of Rochester
On November 13, 1774, John Thomas was consecrated as the Bishop of Rochester. This was a very high honor. As bishop, he was responsible for the Diocese of Rochester. He worked to improve the church buildings in his area. He repaired the deanery (the Dean's house) in Rochester, Kent. He also rebuilt the bishop's palace in Bromley, which was in bad condition.
John Thomas passed away in Bromley on August 22, 1793. He was buried in the church at Bletchingley.
His Writings and Legacy
After John Thomas died, his nephew collected and published his sermons and other writings. These were called 'Sermons and Charges'. His portrait, painted by the famous artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, was once kept at Queen's College. An engraving of this portrait was used in his book.
Family and Scholarships
John Thomas was married twice. His first wife was Anne Blackwell, whom he married in 1742. She passed away in 1772. In 1776, he married Elizabeth Baldwin. He did not have any children.
Even though he had no children, John Thomas cared about education. He set up two scholarships at Queen's College. These scholarships helped sons of clergymen who had studied at the grammar school in Carlisle. He had also created two similar scholarships at Westminster School during his lifetime.
